Debating Patriarchy

The Hindu Code Bill Controversy in India (1941-1956)

Edited by Chitra Sinha

Examines reforms in family law and personal law as well as customary laws from legal and social perspectives

This is a pioneering case study on law formation processes

Emphasizes the role of Nehru, Ambedkar, B.N. Rau, and other prominent personalities in the promotion of gender justice

Debating Patriarchy

The Hindu Code Bill Controversy in India (1941-1956)

Edited by Chitra Sinha

Description

The book explores a significant episode of Indian social history, the Hindu Code Bill controversy that stirred the Indian social consciousness in the mid-twentieth century. Revisiting the communicative processes surrounding the reform of Hindu customary laws relating to marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and maintenance, the book provides an in-depth account of the intense debate that took place in and outside the legislature involving political groups, social associations, religious organizations, legal associations, and the women's movement. Placing the debate in a historical continuum, the author tracess the genesis of the Hindu Code Bill by exploring the linkages of late eighteenth century initiatives of colonial administration, the efforts of eighteenth
century social reformers, and the contribution of Indian national movement as well as women's organizations in early twentieth century. The book analyses the relationship of discourses in the public and legislative spheres and emphases the role of Nehru , Ambedkar, B.N. Rau and other prominent personalities in the promotion of gender justice. The book argues that while effective implementation of enabling legal provisions were impeded by deeply entrenched patriarchal structures in Independent India, the debate contributed towards a gradual transformation of the Indian social consciousness , thus contributing towards gender justice in Indian society.

This book will interest scholars, researchers, and students of law, modern Indian history, and gender studies. It will also
appeal to general readers.

Debating Patriarchy

The Hindu Code Bill Controversy in India (1941-1956)

Edited by Chitra Sinha

Table of Contents

PrefaceAcknowledgementsList of TablesIntroduction1. Contesting Patriarchy: The Early Years2. The Hindu Code Bill: A Historical Background3. Evolution of the Hindu Code Bill4. Law and the Public Gaze: Hindu Code Bill in the Public Sphere5. Hindu Code Bill in the Political Sphere6. Hindu Code Bill Controversy : The Final Phase7. Hindu Code Bill and the Modern Indian MindBibliographyIndex

Debating Patriarchy

The Hindu Code Bill Controversy in India (1941-1956)

Edited by Chitra Sinha

Author Information

Chitra Sinha is Academic Advisor, Royal University for Women, Bahrain. She was previously Reader, Research Centre for Women's Studies, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai.